Tips on Maintaining Asphalt Driveway

26.07.2018

Many contractors will advise you of using asphalt when you are paving a new driveway or repairing an old one and they are correct. Asphalt driveways are typically durable, long lasting and cost effective while still looking beautiful. Additionally, the installation process of asphalt does not take that much time. It only needs 2 – 3 days to be dry and ready. If you want to keep your asphalt driveway looking smooth and fresh, you have to care for it with these following steps:

Fill the cracks

Cracks are the demise of asphalt driveways. If they are left unsealed, they will keep getting bigger, weakening the structure and ruining the overall appearance of the property by accumulating weeds and debris. They are usually caused due to nearby tree roots, extreme weather changes and excessive weight. Fixing the cracks immediately after they appear is the smartest thing to do. It will save your investment by extending the durability and endurablity of the asphalt. The best method of sealing the cracks starts with cleaning them thoroughly, filling them with crack seal, then applying an overall sealing coat to keep the surface looking smooth.

Sealcoat it

If you want to ensure that your investment in an asphalt driveway lasts longer, you need to sealcoat it regularly. Sealcoating is the process of applying a protective layer on the surface of your driveway to protect it from erosion, fading and breaking. Professional contractors at ABC Paving company from Florida advice you to sealcoat 90 days after you have installed your driveway using asphalt, it will give the asphalt time to cure and dry properly. Then, the driveway must be cleaned completely to ensure that the sealer adhere properly to the surface. The sealer can be applied after that. It usually needs 24 – 48 hours for the sealcoat to cure before you can use the driveway. Depending on the weather in your area and the type of sealer you use, it is better to reseal the asphalt every 3 – 5 years to keep the driveway looking clean and sleek.

Beware of vegetation

If you have a front yard full of greenery, then you know the struggle of dealing with unwanted weeds and grass. They will sprout everywhere, especially where you do not want them. The same applies to your asphalt driveway, seeds will find tiniest cracks or holes and sprout from them, causing them to get bigger. You need to keep the situation under control by checking the driveway regularly and plucking them with their roots. You can either use spot treatment to kill the weeds all together or use an eco-friendly home remedy by mixing one cup of salt, one cup of lemon juice with one gallon of vinegar and spray the affected area with it. After you deal with weed, it is time to fill the cracks left behind then seal them.

Deal with oil spills

Asphalt is an oil-based material so any oils or gasoline spillage will cause its surface to deteriorate and dissolve. Therefore, avoid spilling these materials on your driveway. If you do end up with a spillage, you should wipe any excess oil with an absorbing sponge or absorb it with cat litter. The next thing you should do is to brush the stain clean using dish wash and water. There are other DIY remedies available you can choose from depending on the items you have on hand.

Protect the edges

The weakest parts of your asphalt driveway are the edges because they have no side support. While fixing other parts of the driveway is easy, broken asphalt edges are difficult to restore because they have nothing to grab into. To save the edges of your driveway from breaking in the first place, you should consider installing a drainage system while laying down the asphalt. Then, you need to constantly seal small cracks to avoid breakage. Lastly, you need to be careful with the edges by avoiding to park on them and keeping heavy equipment, like lawn mowers away.

Conclusion

Having an asphalt driveway will add to the aesthetic and overall value of your property. It is easy to install and clean. It can also last for decades, if maintained properly. Take care of your driveway and it will last long and stay beautiful.